IMI report highlights case for technician licensing

Published: 31 October, 2017

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), has presented MPs and peers from the House of Lords with a new report that underlines the case for regulation around those working on electric and hybrid vehicles.

Last week the IMI attended meetings with representatives of both the House of Lords and the Department for Transport (DfT). Parliamentary figures the IMI met included Jesse Norman MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the DfT, Baroness Featherstone, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for energy and climate change and member of the House of Lords, and Baroness Randerson, Liberal Democrat Lords spokesperson for transport.

The report highlights the 400% growth in electric and hybrid technology in the last five years.

According to IMI chief executive Steve Nash, this shows the appetite of UK drivers for low emission vehicles, as well as the case for licensing: “The need for regulation for any vehicle technician working with electric and hybrid vehicles is becoming increasingly more evident with the demand for these vehicles proliferating beyond anyone’s expectation.

“The meetings we’ve had with key parliamentary figures have been reassuring, providing us with an opportunity to share our research in order to demonstrate the lack of health and safety regulation around this technology.”

Steve adds: “The IMI’s campaign has gained backing from each area of the automotive sector, ranging from small independent workshops to the vehicle manufacturers. All understand the importance of putting in a place a criteria for anyone maintaining and repairing ultra-low emission vehicles.”

Kathryn Beaurain, marketing director of Pro-Align was recently recognised by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) for her ongoing support of the IMI Skill Auto competitions. Receiving one of just five awards presented at the IMI’s Annual Dinner on 7 March, Kathryn received the award for her Contribution to the Work of the IMI, having supported the industry’s Skill Auto competitions for the last six years.

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has submitted its closing evidence for Parliament’s consideration regarding a Licence to Practice for vehicle technicians working on the high-voltage systems of electric and hybrid vehicles.